Actions speak louder than words
Significado: What you do matters more than what you say; deeds are more meaningful than promises.
Used to point out hypocrisy or to emphasize the importance of following through. When someone makes big promises but never delivers, this phrase calls them out. It reflects the American value of pragmatism — results matter more than talk.
Ejemplos
- He says he cares, but actions speak louder than words — he never shows up. 他说他在乎,但行动胜于雄辩——他从来不出现。Dice que le importa, pero los hechos hablan más que las palabras: nunca aparece.気にかけていると言うけど、行動は言葉より雄弁だ——彼は一度も来ない。관심 있다고 말하지만, 행동이 말보다 중요한 법이야 — 한 번도 나타나지 않잖아.
- Actions speak louder than words, and her volunteer work proves she's serious about helping. 行动胜于雄辩,她的志愿者工作证明她是真心想帮忙。Los hechos hablan más que las palabras, y su trabajo de voluntariado demuestra que va en serio con ayudar.行動は言葉より雄弁で、彼女のボランティア活動が本気で人助けしたいという証拠だ。행동이 말보다 중요한 법이고, 그녀의 봉사활동이 진심으로 돕고 싶다는 증거야.
- Stop talking about your diet and start exercising — actions speak louder than words. 别光说减肥了,去运动吧——行动胜于雄辩。Deja de hablar de tu dieta y empieza a hacer ejercicio: los hechos hablan más que las palabras.ダイエットの話はやめて運動を始めなよ——行動は言葉より雄弁だよ。다이어트 얘기는 그만하고 운동을 시작해 — 행동이 말보다 중요한 거야.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: advice, relationships, accountability
Tono: firm, wisdom
✓ Correcto
- Actions speak louder than words.行动胜于雄辩。Los hechos hablan más que las palabras.Actions speak louder than words.(行動は言葉より雄弁だ。)행동이 말보다 중요한 법이야.
- Remember, actions speak louder than words.记住,行动胜于雄辩。Recuerda: los hechos hablan más que las palabras.Remember, actions speak louder than words.(忘れないで、行動は言葉より雄弁だよ。)잊지 마, 행동이 말보다 중요해.
✗ Incorrecto
- Throwing it at someone who is trying their best but struggling comes across as unhelpful对一个已经在努力但仍有困难的人说这句话,会显得毫无帮助Decírselo a alguien que se está esforzando pero tiene dificultades resulta poco constructivo精一杯頑張っているのに苦戦している人に投げかけると、役に立たない批判に聞こえる최선을 다하고 있지만 힘들어하는 사람에게 던지면 도움이 안 되고 무례하게 들린다
Origen e historia
The concept dates to ancient times, but the exact English phrasing emerged in the 1600s. Abraham Lincoln and other American leaders frequently invoked the sentiment. It became a cornerstone proverb of American culture, emphasizing practical results over rhetoric.
Contexto cultural
Era: 1600s-present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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